The spleen is an organ in the upper left side of the abdomen. It
filters the blood by removing old or damaged blood cells and platelets. It also
helps the immune system by destroying bacteria and other foreign substances.
The spleen holds extra blood that can be released into the circulatory system
if needed.
ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerE. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerElizabeth T. Russo, MD - Internal Medicine
Current as ofMarch 3, 2017